(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-12-28 08:03

Free entrance could promote attendance at museums, but there are also other ways, says an article in Wen Hui Daily. The following is an excerpt:

After a museum in Hubei Province offered free entrance, the number of visitors was more than the museum could handle.

As an important institution for education and entertainment, a museum must be promoted to the public. And people would certainly welcome museums when they can visit them for free.

However, most museums in the country are not financially well-off and have to depend on entrance fees to support their operations. Moreover, there are remarkable disparities in museums in different regions. It may affect the sustainability of particular museums if they are required to allow free entrance.

Many quote the examples in some developed countries where museums are open to visitors for free. It is true, but it does not mean we should follow suit blindly.

As a matter of fact, the promotion of a museum goes beyond free entrance. A survey some years ago suggested that about 40 percent of the public would visit a museum if the exhibits were interesting.

Therefore, the key elements for attracting visitors are interesting exhibits and good service.

The government and the media should work together to nurture public interest in museums. Museum managers should carry out surveys among visitors to find out their expectations. And museums should join hands with schools to attract youngsters.

All these activities would help promote knowledge and culture.

(China Daily 12/28/2007 page10)